Courses

CP-361

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Eric Gould

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Required of: JCMP majors

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: AR-112 and HR-211

Department Code: JCMP

Study of the process for creating multiline textures in a given melodic and/or harmonic situation. Voice-leading, melodic analysis and embellishment, rhythm, and form. Assigned written projects to emphasize the role of contrapuntal practices in arranging.

CW-141

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Matthew Nicholl

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

Required of: None

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: MTEC-111

Department Code: CWP

An introduction to writing and production techniques in hip-hop styles. Topics include the social and cultural aspects of hip-hop music as it pertains to the music's origins and early pioneers, the analysis of stylistic and musical characteristics, and instruction in the use of sequencing software in hip-hop production.

CW-171

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Matthew Nicholl

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Required of: CWPR majors

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: AR-111, ET-112, HR-112, and MTEC-111

Department Code: CWP

Expanding on the material introduced in AR-111, this course focuses on creating and writing grooves for the rhythm section (guitar, keyboard, bass, percussion, and drums) and the ways in which different grooves work together. Original techniques and practical approaches to creating grooves will be presented, as well as methods to refine and create variations in grooves and scoring with production goals in mind. Styles studied include funk, hip-hop, rock, reggae, and ska; Latin styles, including bossa, samba, salsa, cha-cha, songo, and baion; shuffle, as used in rock, blues, and funk; generic dance grooves such as techno; and pop and Euro-pop. Projects will include transcription, sequencing, and live performance of grooves.

CW-191

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Matthew Nicholl

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Required of: CWPR majors

Electable by: CWPR majors

Prerequisites: AR-111 and MTEC-111

Department Code: CWP

The course covers the necessary tools, techniques, and applications of MIDI sequencing and digital audio for writing and production. Main topics include the MIDI standard and its applications, set up and use of digital audio workstations (DAWs), integration of MIDI and audio tracks/sources, use of software synthesizers, basic mixing techniques, audio theory, equipment, and techniques. Through practical examples, activities, and projects the student will learn how to effectively use a DAW to write and produce music. Emphasis is on technological needs of the contemporary writer.

CW-205

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Matthew Nicholl

Semesters Offered: Spring Only

Required of: None

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: PW-161 or CW-191

Department Code: CWP

Building on the content of AR-203, this course provides in-depth study of the capabilities of the software program Finale. Course content includes using Metatools, Hyperscribe, Shape Designer, a broader range of editing tools, and practical shortcuts to efficiently create scores and parts of professional quality. Instruction and project work is accomplished in the Professional Writing Division MIDI Lab.

CW-211

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Matthew Nicholl

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Required of: CWPR majors

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: AR-112, CW-171, and CW-216

Department Code: CWP

Instruction in advanced small group writing concepts that encompasses sophisticated rhythm section scoring and groove writing, including writing for auxiliary percussion; an introduction to writing for voices and strings; background writing for horns, strings, and voices; manipulation of elements of large-scale form and structure; creation of complex, layered textures; and hybrid writing techniques involving sequencing and live players. In addition, the course will focus heavily on score and part preparation.

CW-216

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Matthew Nicholl

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Required of: CWPR majors

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: AR-112, HR-211, and either ET-211 or ET-231

Department Code: CWP

Conceptualizing, writing, and producing vocals; contemporary writing and production techniques for vocal groups of different sizes; working with vocals in live situations versus the recording studio environment; writing background vocals above a band versus a cappella vocal writing. Creating vocal band effects will also be explored. Range considerations, timbre, vocal production, and notation for various size vocal groups; writing and production techniques and considerations for recording studio situations.

CW-218

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Matthew Nicholl

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Required of: None

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: AR-111 and HR-211

Department Code: CWP

Composition of music for radio and television commercials. Emphasis on means of creating suitable product image. Working with, and alteration of, given lyrics. Some lyric writing. Determining proper instrumentations. Timing considerations.

CW-225

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Matthew Nicholl

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

Required of: None

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: AR-112

Department Code: CWP

A study of rhythmic styles of contemporary salsa music, including characteristics of instrumentation and the unique clave rhythmic pattern. Specific rhythmic styles analyzed will include mambo, son montuno, guajiro, bomba, merengue, and songo, among others. Musical scores of Eddie Palmieri, Juan Luis Guerra, Oscar D'León, Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D'Rivera, and many others will be analyzed. Students will create melodies as well as piano, guitar, bass, and percussion rhythmic patterns; they will write brass instrumental sections using the clave rhythmic pattern.

CW-237

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Matthew Nicholl

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

Required of: None

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: AR-112

Department Code: CWP

Survey of the mallet, membrane, and accessory groups of the percussion instrument family. Demonstration and discussion of notation, range, techniques, and effects. Scores from Broadway shows and studio, orchestral, chamber, and solo pieces.

CW-247

2 credit(s)

Course Chair: Matthew Nicholl

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

Required of: None

Electable by: All

Prerequisites: AR-112

Department Code: CWP

A study of the flute, clarinet, and double reed families based on intensive listening, transcription, live demonstration, and composition. Compositions will include: visual imagery, storytelling, non-Western based concepts and forms, sound exchange, layering sound, and techniques for composition that include improvisation.